Debi, Your post about the way your boyfriend treats his ferrets disturbed me greatly. I can't claim to be an expert on ferret care, I've only enjoyed the priviledge of having one share my life for a short time; but, I have had some kind of critter to care for, love and cherish for for more years than I would care to admit. One thing I have learned is that any creature, humans included, will respond to any person in the same way that the person treats them. Discipline is a good and neccesary thing but it should never be done in a spirit of anger but, rather, from love. Hitting and tossing a ferret around the room is anger, not love. I mourn with you the loss of the older ferret. Seven years is a good life in ferret years; but, with proper treatment, the poor guy could have, perhaps, lived longer - I really can't say. I'm glad that your boyfriend is depressed over the loss. Perhaps he is feeling guilt over his mistreatment of his pet companions. He needs to. As for Logan, his behavior is his way of saying, "Help" as loudly as he can. With proper treatment and love, I believe he will come around. Domestic ferrets are sweet, gentle and fun loving beasties - even though their antics can sometimes drive you right 'up the wall'. The twin medicines of time and love should bring him back to himself. I pray that the ramblings of an old man might, somehow, be useful to you. I am thankful that you do not live with your boyfriend for he might treat you the same as he treats his other roomates. I hope that you can talk to him and help him over his anger. If not, perhaps some more ferret-knowlgeable person on the FML can offer you advice on taking steps to protect the safety of the remaining two fuzzies. In the meantime, give them all the love and affection you can spare, especially poor Logan. As for your apology for not being the most literate of souls, no apology is needed. Literacy has nothing to do with grammar and punctuation. A literate person is able to communicate their feelings and ideas effectively. You accomplished that admirably in your post. Sandy, Tater and I will pray for you and the ferrets which you obviously love very much. Michael(Paw Paw) [Posted in FML issue 1400]